Meghan Markle's adjustment to royal life has come under renewed discussion after author Catherine Mayer argued that the Duchess of Sussex entered the British monarchy without fully understanding the institutional realities of marrying Prince Harry, whose position as the monarch's younger son meant he was never expected to occupy the family's central role.
Speaking on HELLO!'s A Right Royal Podcast, Mayer said Meghan's experience reflected a broader challenge faced by women who marry into the royal family, where tradition and hierarchy often take precedence over personal ambition. Her comments come as Prince Harry and Meghan continue to weigh a possible return to the United Kingdom later this month for engagements connected to the Invictus Games, while questions over security arrangements remain unresolved.
Mayer's assessment also coincides with the release of her new book, Divide & Rule, which examines the experiences of women who have married into the House of Windsor and the pressures they faced navigating one of the world's oldest constitutional institutions.
According to Mayer, Meghan entered royal life at a moment of extraordinary public enthusiasm but underestimated how firmly the monarchy protects its internal hierarchy.
Reflecting on Meghan's arrival after her 2018 marriage to Prince Harry, Mayer said the Duchess "didn't understand what was going on" when she became part of the royal family. She argued that the institution's primary objective is preserving stability rather than promoting individual members, regardless of their popularity.
A central theme of Mayer's argument is Prince Harry's long-established position within the monarchy. As the younger son of King Charles III, Harry has traditionally occupied the role often described as "the spare," a position that carries significant public responsibilities but remains secondary to the direct heir.
Mayer suggested that reality shaped Meghan's experience from the beginning. She said the palace effectively expected the Duchess to "stay in your lane," describing an institutional culture that carefully manages each royal's public role in order to maintain balance within the family.
Rather than portraying Meghan's difficulties as simply the result of inexperience, Mayer argued they reflected structural features of the monarchy itself.
She also defended the Duchess, saying Meghan had "great people working for her," while adding that she did not believe Meghan fully appreciated the strength of the support system available during her early years as a working royal.
The comments build on a debate that has continued since Harry and Meghan stepped back from senior royal duties in 2020 before relocating to California. Their departure fundamentally altered their relationship with Buckingham Palace and triggered years of public disagreement over issues ranging from security arrangements to media treatment and family relationships.
Before joining the royal family, Meghan had established a successful acting career, most notably portraying Rachel Zane in the television series Suits. That professional background, Mayer suggested, offered little preparation for an institution governed by centuries-old traditions, formal protocol and carefully defined lines of succession.
Mayer's analysis forms part of a broader discussion explored in Divide & Rule, which examines whether the monarchy is equipped to integrate newcomers with different professional backgrounds, cultural experiences and public expectations.
The renewed attention comes as preparations continue for Prince Harry's expected visit to Britain in connection with the Invictus Games Foundation. Reports have indicated that Meghan, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet could accompany him, although the family's plans remain uncertain as discussions continue over security arrangements.
Harry has maintained that adequate protection remains essential for any visit involving his wife and children following the removal of their automatic taxpayer-funded police protection after they ceased being working members of the royal family. The dispute has been the subject of several legal challenges and continues to shape planning for any return to Britain.
For Meghan, any visit would also mark another chapter in a relationship with the United Kingdom that has remained under intense public scrutiny since the couple's departure from royal duties. Alongside official engagements linked to the Invictus Games, reports have suggested the trip could provide an opportunity for family meetings, including time with King Charles III, should scheduling and security considerations permit.
